That’s right – 14 Red Kites.
This case shows the power of poisons and the vulnerability of raptors that will feed on carrion.
You don’t need many people to be putting poisons out in the countryside to make a hole in raptor populations.
I saw a Red Kite in a wood in Northamptonshire this morning – it’s now a much more usual sight than the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker which was also in the same wood or the Ring Ousel that was in an adjacent field.
Red Kites are now part of my life in rural Northamptonshire, as they are a part of the lives of thousands of us down here, even thousands who would not consider themselves much interested in birds. Those who shoot, trap or poison these birds are stealing Nature from my life and those of many others.
And that applies just as much in Ross-shire as it does here in Northamptonshire. I know the area where those 14 dead Red Kites have been found and have enjoyed seeing live Red Kites in that area in the past.
If you live in the area then you might be interested in attending a public protest on Saturday in Inverness High Street (near Santander and M&S) at 2pm – and there is a William Hill around the corner in Baron Tayler St for you to get a bet on for, and watch, the Scottish National at 1550.
Donate to the reward fund here.
Oh yes, and five dead Buzzards too…
Red Kite image by Don Macauley via wikimedia commons
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This could be as much as 25% of the local population wiped out in one fell swoop.
I really hope whoever is responsible is brought to justice for this. They should be made an example of and not let of lightly which unfortunately seems to be the track record with these kind of crimes.